Here's how you can help keep stop hate content on social media
Monday, 18 March 2019
The Christchurch mosque attacks have shown how easy it is for horrific content to spread via social media.
As Stuff has noted in its live blog, the video of the attack spread quickly online. Check our timeline and commemoration of the victims for more coverage.
The operators of those platforms have, in many cases, seemed to struggle to keep things such as the shooter's video under control.
If you've seen something pop up that you don't think should be there, here's how to take action.
**READ MORE:
* Christchurch shooting accused Brenton Tarrant described as a 'recluse' by neighbours
* Gun City owner quiet over controversial billboard outside Christchurch store
* Man who scared away gunman at Christchurch mosque hailed a hero**
If one of your friends or a page you follow has posted something you don't want to see, click on the three little dots on the top right of the post. Choose 'give feedback' to send information to Facebook about the post.
You'll have to say what you don't like about it – violence and hate speech are options.
You can also take other steps such as blocking and unfollowing from this menu.
The same process works if it's something you see in a group.
If it's an ad you're not happy with, 'report ad' is the second option available when you click on those little dots on a post.
YOUTUBE
YouTube says its staff review reported videos all day every day.
If you're watching on a mobile device, tap the three little dots and then choose 'report'. You'll also need to select a reason for reporting.
If you're watching on desktop, sign in and click 'more' below the video. In the drop-down menu, choose 'report'.
You can then also choose to block the channel that posted the video. Right click on the video and choose 'block videos from this channel'.
VIMEO
You can highlight a video for attention from a moderator by clicking the flag icon in the bottom right of the video player.
If you want to report a user, you need to go to their profile page and click on the same icon.
You can block someone by tapping their username and going to the three dots icon. Choose 'block'.
This same menu can also be used to report the content – tap on 'report inappropriate'.
Click the arrow icon on the top of a tweet. This gives you the option to block the person who posted it, unfollow them and report the tweet.
Don't leave it to other people to report inappropriate content – the more reports a post receives, the more likely it is that action will be taken swiftly.
Facebook also offers an option to ask for a second review of content that has been reported for bullying, harassment, sex, hate speech or graphic violence. You can use this option if you don't agree with its initial assessment of your complaint.
You can also report offensive content to the Department of Internal Affairs via this form.